Sadio Mane netted the winning spot-kick as Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to clinch their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations after a 0-0 draw. The Liverpool forward had seen a seventh-minute penalty saved by Egypt keeper Gabaski but Mane held his nerve when he returned in the shootout.
Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy denied Mohanad Lasheen to give Mane the chance to win it in Yaounde’s Olembe Stadium. Gabaski had made three good saves from Senegal’s Bamba Dieng in extra time.
With the win, Senegal made history as they won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, with a dramatic 4-2 victory on penalties over Egypt. After just three minutes, Senegal were awarded a penalty after a rash challenge from Mohamed Abdelmonem on Saliou Ciss in the box. Mohamed Salah could be seen giving his keeper Gabaski advice on how to save his Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane’s spotkick and it paid off as the goalkeeper pulled off a heroic save.
90 minutes of normal time and extra time failed to produce a match winner as the two sides remained locked in a goalless stalemate, heading to a penalty shootout. It was always set to be the battle of Liverpool’s superstars, Salah and Mane but ultimately it was the Senegalese who came out a hero. Mane redeemed himself after his missed early penalty, netting the winning spotkick in the shootout to secure a history-making win for his country.
